Progesterone?

[Sheila6830]

Is anyone able to use progesterone and it doesn't bother their IC?

I take estrogen, but it seemed like when I tried progesterone, it hurt my bladder.

[hormonelover]

From what I’ve read about IC and progesterone…

There is a belief that possibly changing levels in progesterone do alter and relieve the symptoms of IC and it is possible that going onto a progesterone only [contraceptive] pill may in fact relieve the symptoms of IC in some people.

There is no set pattern for symptoms in IC patients. There are patients who experience an increase in swelling, pressure, pain, and frequency when estrogen levels are highest. This is believed to happen because estrogen increases mast cell secretion, therefore increasing inflammatory reactions.

There are patients who feel better when their estrogen levels are high. Experts believe that IC patients may benefit from the increase in the thickness of the bladder lining and the lack of progesterone during this time.

Some IC patients say they feel best and experience less symptoms during their menstrual period when hormone levels are low. However, other patients experience bladder pain during their periods, and almost all IC patients complain of IC symptoms a few days prior to the onset of bleeding. A number of IC patients also report pain just after a period and/or around ovulation. Experts may disagree about the effects hormones have on the IC bladder, but what they consistently agree upon is that the bladders of IC patients react to the rise and fall of hormone levels.

Women who take estrogen without progesterone risk cell build up in the lining of the uterus, which may lead to endometrial cancer. A woman's doctor must evaluate her personal health profile, as well as her family history when prescribing hormone replacement therapy.

http://www.bhrt-resource.com/natural-progesterone-cream.html

[carlag]

I am on only progesterone for menopause. I tried to wean myself off it and had to get up more to pee at night. Progesterone acts like a mild tranquilizer and I always take it at night before bed. I'm going to stay on it as it does help my night sweats too. I don't take estrogen. My doctor said that progesterone (I take 70 mg. compounded) is a precursor to estrogen and that taking estrogen isn't necessary.

[Preacher-Girl]

I was told there was no progesterone only pill. I will ask my old doctor (who has a brain) and maybe that will be an answer for me. Thank you all for posting this.

[jane2]

Thought I would put my 2 cents in. I've been using the compounded progeterone 100 mg. for close too 2 years. I started it because they found a mass in my breast, after using it for six months the mass was gone. when I went in for my mammogram, the doctor was amazed and surprised that it had disappeared. Progesterone is supposed to make you less moddy, or stablize your moods & improve your sleep. Since I have just been dx with IC , can't tell you if I would be worse without it. I do know that with out it I would be going back every 6 months for a mammogram and sonagram. I will keep taking it.

Luck to all,
jane2

[carlag]

Preacher Girl--there is a progesterone only pill--100 mg. called Promethium (think that's it) but I get mine compounded. Generally doctors don't know much about bioidentical hormones. You can contack the pharmacists that do compounding and get more information. Do an internet search. There is one in Madison, WI that is good. There is also one in Hollywood, FL called Poste Haste. I use them and they are good. They have a pharmacist there that does counseling with women. The number is 800-230-5553. I recommend doing some research--reading the books written by Suzanne Sommers, Dr. John Lee, and others. Be informed and ask questions. We women do have to take control of our own bodies as some point amd make decsions that feel right to us.

[jane2]

Here is a web site that you can click on your state and find a compounding pharmacy: http://www.project-aware.org/Resource/Pharmacy1.shtml

I will add that I didn't find the one I use on there. My doctors are really into wellness and they gave me a list of pharmacies in my area and even told me the ones they had the best of luck with.

Good luck precher girl, keep those sunny smiles coming through.
blessings,
jane2

[Preacher-Girl]

That was unbelievably helpful! I will bring this up with my gynecologist on Tuesday. He's an easy going guy and I am hoping he'll shrug and say let's try it...if he thinks it might give me a chance. There are 2 pharmacies in my area that compound. Does that mean I will be using progesterone as a vaginal suppository?

[jane2]

my estradial and testerone are a cream I apply in the morning but the progesterone is in capsule form. you are to take it about a hour before bedtime and it does help promote sleep. I actually take mine more like a half hour before bedtime. It works. Although like I said earlier I am taking it as a hedge against breast cancer. Since using it my mammograms have been clear.

Glad that linked worked for you. my insurance pays half of the cost, and the pharmacy mails it to you.

southern hugs,
jane2